Help needed RE using 2 monitors

[LBrown32]

Hi guys,

 

Let me start by saying i know little to zero about computers. I am trying to set up dual monitors to my Dell optiplex 755 but there is only one VGA port and no other port that i could connect my 2nd monitor. as i know nothing i purchased a VGA splitter, which, obviously has just given me 2 mirrored screens.

 

How can i overcome this so i can use both monitors individually?

 

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

x

[KenB]

Hi and welcome to ExTS

 

Dell optiplex 755 but there is only one VGA port

If your system only has one VGA port on the Graphics Card then it looks like dual monitors is not supported.

 

To set up dual monitors you will need 2 VGA ports on your Video Card or alternatively 2 DVI ports.

 

Using a splitter simply puts the same image on both screens as you have discovered.

 

You can replace the Video Card with one that supports dual monitors.

 

===================

Just a thought - is there a DVI port available ?

Edited January 16, 2020 by KenB

[LBrown32]

Hi and welcome to ExTS

 

 

If your system only has one VGA port on the Graphics Card then it looks like dual monitors is not supported.

 

To set up dual monitors you will need 2 VGA ports on your Video Card or alternatively 2 DVI ports.

 

Using a splitter simply puts the same image on both screens as you have discovered.

 

You can replace the Video Card with one that supports dual monitors.

 

===================

Just a thought - is there a DVI port available ?

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[LBrown32]

Thank you for replying :-)

 

no, i don't think it has, see below for available ports on back:

 

 

if i do in fact need a new video card for multiple ports, are they easy to get and insert for a Optiplex 755?

[KenB]

No - you don't have a DVI socket - [pity]

 

Your motherboard is a small form factor [ compact ]

If you were to look for another Video Card it would need to be a low profile card. [ not a standard card ]

 

Not sure what the inside of your machine looks like - the cards are normally relatively easy to fit.

[LBrown32]

Thanks.

 

Would this suffice?

 

https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product/gkYWGX/msi-geforce-gt-710-2gb-low-profile-video-card-gt-710-2gd3h-lp

[KenB]

Possibly [ see below] - assuming that your motherboard has a PCIe x 16 slot.

The specs I found suggests that it has - different motherboards were supplied to the Dell optiplex 755

They are not always blue - some are white.

 

 

You need to be aware that the suggested Video Card has 1 VGA socket and 1 DVI-d socket

If your 2 monitors are both VGA then you will need to buy a DVI-d to VGA converter [ about £6 ]

 

Also -

You have to take into account the power requirements of the new Video Card.

The suggested one needs a Power Supply Unit of 300 Watts minimum.

 

From what I can find the Dell that you have could have a PSU rated at 275 Watts up to 305 Watts.

You would need to look at the label on it.

If it is 275 Watts you would probably just get away with using the card you suggest. [i can't guarantee this]

It really depends on what you intend to do regarding graphics usage.

It certainly wouldn't be any use for gaming.

 

Also - The specs for the proposed video card state that you would need 20 Amps on the 12v rail of your PSU. [ bit technical - sorry ]

From the details of your possible PSU you may be getting 17 Amps. [ page 28 from my link ]

Again - just under the requirements of the video card.

 

You may find this useful - Technical Guide - click here

Edited January 17, 2020 by KenB

[LBrown32]

Thank you mate. Much appreciated

[KenB]

You are welcome :)